The One Small Town In Louisiana With More Murals Than Any Other
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Jackie Ann
Author
Rayne, Louisiana is a small town just outside of Lafayette with a big claim to fame. Well, a few claims, actually. First, they’re known as the “Frog Capital of the World,” a badge they wear so proudly that they decided to add to it and also become the Louisiana City of Murals. While Rayne’s frog exporting business has long gone, the town still honors its roots in the quirkiest ways possible.
Once the railroad was built in 1883, the town was renamed Rayne to honor one of the railroad engineers. Like so many towns, once the railroad was built, the town flourished and grew exponentially. Among the many new residents was Donat Pucheu, an immigrant from Bordeaux, France whose entrepreneurial spirit paved the way for the foundation of Rayne’s history.
With the completion of the railroad, transporting this delicacy was much easier. Pucheau zoned in on major cities like New Orleans, a city that’s always known its way around the kitchen. Word spread like wildfire, and it didn’t take long for some healthy competition to pop up. In 1889, fellow Frenchman Jacques Weil opened up a shop across the street from Pucheau and both businesses did well until a devastating fire in 1903 burned Pucheau’s business (and home) to the ground.
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Rayne’s famous frogs even were sent to space! Two frogs named Pierre and Tee Nom were picked up by NASA officials and officially sent into space on November 9, 1970.
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From the overpass on the interstate to the 10-foot statue of Monsieur Jacques, there’s no escaping these quirky, colorful tributes.
Internationally renowned muralist Robert Dafford is the artist behind many of these works of art.
Luckily, these frogs don't move much, so you shouldn't have any problems catching up with them.
If you think being the Frog Capital of the World is quirky, just wait until you see St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Rayne, the only backward cemetery in the country.
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Rayne, LA 70578, USA